Roanoke Times
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: SATURDAY, February 11, 1995 TAG: 9502130018
SECTION: CURRENT PAGE: NRV1 EDITION: NEW RIVER VALLEY
SOURCE: PAUL DELLINGER STAFF WRITER
DATELINE: PULASKI LENGTH: Medium
For the past decade, the school system has been losing roughly 100 students each year. The losses have translated into losses in state school money, which is based on average daily attendance figures.
This year has been different. Associate Superintendent Phyllis Bishop said the number of students has dropped by only 21 so far in the 1994-95 school year, to a total of 5,173.
``We're holding steady this year. As some are moving out, others are moving in,'' Superintendent Bill Asbury told the School Board Thursday night. There also are fewer dropouts this year.
``We're hoping that this is a very bright sign ... that we aren't dropping as quickly as we were,'' Asbury said. ``That's making all the difference right now in our budget projections, so far as the state goes.''
If the figures continue to hold, the county could get $260,080 more than anticipated in state funds for the year. The School Board will ask the county Board of Supervisors to let the school system keep that money, and roll it over into next year's budget.
But even with that money, the county will have to raise its share of the school budget next year if the school system's educational initiatives are to continue. The school system will cut back on travel, conferences, supplies, equipment and other areas to meet its budget. The School Board got a preview of that budget on Thursday.
``We think our reputation is growing as an academic institution,'' Asbury said. To continue that, ``we're going to have to ask the county for help.'' The county has kept its school funding level for the past two years.
The $25.6 million budget includes a 4.5 percent salary increase for teachers and other classroom employees, and a 3.5 percent increase for support and administrative personnel.
Asbury said teachers have averaged 2.3 percent in raises in the past four years.
``We aren't staying ahead of inflation,'' Asbury said. ``In the region, we don't fare too badly but, when you remember we're in one of the poorest regions of the state, that isn't much of an accomplishment.''
Asbury said the school system will have to realign personnel again next year, as it did this year, to meet its budget needs. He expects to put more teachers into lower grade levels as the system continues its Critical Years/Critical Skills program. The program emphasizes smaller classes in the lower grades and testing to make sure students master one skill level before going on to the next.
The third grade would be brought into the program, which started in kindergarten through second grade this year. The budget also covers the second year of putting a technology plan for the school system into effect, a second year of restructuring the science program at Pulaski County High School, continuing its elementary math and science demonstration program, and continuing the implementation of the last two years of a program to improve the quality of the schools.
The budget also includes a planning period for elementary teachers, even though state Standards of Quality do not require it. Asbury said the period has made a big difference in lesson planning ``and just the mental health of our teachers.''
The proposal includes funds for an architectural and engineering study of county school buildings. It also would fund two nurses in addition to the one the school system now has to meet what Asbury said were increasing student health and medication problems.
``All of that spells money and space,'' he said. ``I think one thing that will help us with that will be our results ... specific, quantifiable results.''
A preliminary budget meeting between the School Board and Board of Supervisors is scheduled for 7 p.m. March 6.
by CNB